Ten examples for a life lived fully for God.
Brothers and sisters, in our journey of faith, we are not left without guidance. The pages of Scripture are filled with examples of ordinary people who, through their extraordinary faith and obedience, left us a legacy to emulate. Let us look at ten such examples, blueprints for a life lived fully for God.
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1. One example is that of Abraham: obey as he obeyed God. (Genesis 12:1-4)
(Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham, our father in faith, teaches us radical obedience. When God called, he left everything familiar to follow a promise, not knowing where he was going. May we, too, respond to God’s call with immediate and unwavering obedience.
2. We must walk with God as Enoch walked with God. (Genesis 5:22)
“Enoch walked with God after the birth of Methuselah 300 years, and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:22). Enoch’s life is a testament to consistent, intimate fellowship with the Almighty. He simply “walked with God.” This isn't about grand gestures, but about a daily, continuous communion with our Creator. May our lives be marked by such a steadfast walk with God.
3. We must flee from temptation as Joseph did. (Genesis 39:12)
“But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.” (Genesis 39:12). Joseph, faced with intense temptation, chose purity over pleasure, integrity over compromise. He literally fled from sin. In a world full of alluring temptations, may we, like Joseph, have the wisdom and courage to flee from evil and honor God with our bodies and minds.
4. We must trust as Isaac did. (Genesis 22:6-14; Philippians 4:19)
And Paul reminds us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). Isaac, in the face of what seemed like an impossible command, trusted his father, and ultimately, trusted God’s provision. May we cultivate a trust in God that transcends understanding, knowing He will always provide.
5. We must be steadfast like Elisha. (1 Kings 18:17-22; 1 Corinthians 16:13)
(1 Kings 18:17-22). And Paul admonishes, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13). While the text refers to Elijah, the principle of steadfastness applies equally to Elisha, his successor, who pursued Elijah relentlessly for a double portion of his spirit. Elisha’s commitment to his mentor and his calling demonstrates unwavering resolve. May we be steadfast in our faith, unyielding in our pursuit of God’s purposes, even when it feels like we stand alone.
6. We must be ready like Isaiah. (Isaiah 6:8)
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” (Isaiah 6:8). When God called, Isaiah responded with immediate readiness. He didn’t hesitate or make excuses. May we cultivate a spirit of readiness, always prepared to say, “Here I am, Lord, send me!”
7. We must convince others not to be afraid to give encouragement like Elijah. (2 Kings 6:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:14)
And Paul encourages, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). When Elisha’s servant was gripped by fear, Elisha, full of faith, opened his eyes to see God’s unseen army. We are called to encourage the fearful, to speak words of hope and faith, and to remind others that God is with us.
8. We must witness like Paul. (Acts 20:20)
“how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,” (Acts 20:20). Paul’s life was a vibrant testimony to Christ. He tirelessly proclaimed the gospel, whether in public forums or intimate settings. May we, like Paul, be bold and unashamed in our witness, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter.
9. We must be courageous like Peter and John. (Acts 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7)
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13). And Paul reminds us, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7). Peter and John, once timid fishermen, became fearlessly bold in the face of persecution because they had been with Jesus. May we, too, be filled with a spirit of courage, unafraid to stand for truth and proclaim His name.
10. We must be willing to die like Stephen. (Acts 6:55-60)
Stephen’s martyrdom is a powerful example of unwavering faith and forgiveness, even in the face of death. He willingly laid down his life, reflecting the very heart of Christ. May we be willing to sacrifice for the Gospel, embracing a spirit of selflessness and enduring love.
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These are not just stories from ancient times; they are living examples for us today. Let us be inspired by their faith, their obedience, their courage, and their steadfastness. May our lives reflect these virtues, bringing glory to God and drawing others to His marvelous light. Amen.
